In a significant development, India has announced that military personnel deployed in the Maldives to operate and maintain helicopters and aircraft for medical evacuations and humanitarian missions will be replaced by “competent Indian technical personnel.” This decision comes amid discussions between the two countries regarding the withdrawal of more than 75 Indian military personnel from the Indian Ocean archipelago, following a demand by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu for their removal by March 15.
Following the second meeting of a high-level core group established by India and the Maldives to address the issue, both nations announced on February 2 that they had agreed on “mutually workable solutions” for operating the three aircraft. According to the Maldivian foreign ministry, India will replace military personnel for one aircraft by March 10 and complete the replacement of all personnel by May 10.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the decision, stating, “I would like to say that the present personnel will be replaced by competent Indian technical personnel,” during a regular media briefing, although specific details were not provided. A third meeting of the high-level core group is slated to occur subsequently.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that India is exploring various options to replace the military personnel currently in the Maldives, including utilizing civilian operators with expertise in the ALH helicopters and Dornier aircraft provided by New Delhi. These options include hiring retired personnel from the three services with experience in flying and maintaining the aircraft.
President Muizzu’s administration, perceived to be aligned with China, has expressed a desire to reduce dependence on India in critical sectors such as food security and defense following his victory in last year’s presidential election. However, Jaiswal emphasized India’s commitment to its development partnership with the Maldives, citing an increase in the budgetary allocation for the archipelago in the external affairs ministry’s budget for 2024-25.
“We remain an important, committed development partner for the Maldives,” Jaiswal stated. India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy has positioned the Maldives as one of its primary beneficiaries, with significant investments in development and infrastructure projects, including grants and soft loans.
As discussions continue between India and the Maldives regarding the replacement of military personnel, the diplomatic relationship between the two nations remains under scrutiny, highlighting the intricate dynamics at play in the strategic Indian Ocean region.
Sources By Agencies
